Laura Sharman 17 July 2017

Hackers use mayor's profile to make racist posts

The mayor of Leeds has been forced to speak out after suffering a barrage of online abuse when hackers posted racist comments in her name.

Cllr Jane Dowson said she has received direct threats to her Twitter account after her Facebook page was illegally used to post anti-Polish comments.

I have NOT posted anti polish sentiment. 100% fake. Police investigating. Proud 2 b Mayor 4 all communities in Leeds incl my Polish Friends
— Cllr Jane Dowson (@CllrJaneDowson) July 14, 2017

‘This is a disgusting attempt to stir up hatred between our incredible communities in Leeds and I would not usually give such appalling trolls the time of day,’ said Cllr Dowson. ‘Dealing with online abuse has sadly become part of everyday life when you’re in the public eye.

‘Anyone who knows me knows how much I abhor discrimination or abuse of any form of any community. This is a pathetic attempt from the other side of the world to cut and paste my image on a tirade of vile abuse.’

Cllr Dowson said the police are investigating the incident.

#Social media #Police

Analysis

How local authority trading companies thrive through culture and purpose

Anthony Lewis, Managing Director at Tile Hill, argues that purpose-driven culture and a strong employer value proposition are vital for LATCOs to attract talent and sustain long-term performance.

Opinion

LocalGov Weekly Round Up

A pivotal week for councils sees fresh devolution plans, new service pilots and key legal and political battles, writes LocalGov editor William Eichler.

Most Popular News

Nine locations named on City of Culture 2029 longlist

Council's legal battle over asylum seeker hotel comes to an end

Lords block Government move to influence council pension investments

Government announces five pooled budgets pilots

Chancellor to give local leaders control over national taxes

New Products

Safeguarding Children - the AAT Way

MSL enhances hygiene auditing with air quality testing for Awaab’s Law compliance

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

Case Studies

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s Thor Lanterns and Customisable Gobo Projectors

Acrospire Partners with Bath & North East Somerset Council to Illuminate Historic Film Location with LED Upgrade

Believ to install 22 charge points across Redcar and Cleveland

Acrospire Enhances Harlington Underpass with Energy-Saving Vandal-Resistant Lighting

Company Anouncements

Apricorn Becomes First and Only Hardware-Encrypted USB Storage Device Manufacturer to Achieve AS9100 Certification

AAT helps Councils step up to address children’s social care

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Vent-Axia Welcomes Healthy Homes Standard

Vent-Axia Helps Tackle Condensation and Mould this World Ventilation Day

Client Resident Liaison Officer x3- Basildon Borough Council

£18.5000 - £20.5000 per hour

Client Resident Liaison Officer x3- Basildon Borough Council Basildon, Essex £18.50 PAYE / £23.73 Umbrella per Hour Full-Time - 36.25 hours per week T England, Essex, Basildon